Denver Test concerns are just hot air
THE NRL bosses set to sabotage England’s mid-season Test against New Zealand in Denver have been told they are talking rubbish.
Clubs Down Under are poised to refuse to release players for the June 23 game, meaning it may be cancelled or feature Super League players only. England star Sam Burgess has already spoken out, stressing the importance of internationals while admitting the Australian public’s attitude towards the English ‘p***es him off’.
Concerns over altitude, travelling and insurance are among the reasons why NRL chiefs are likely to block the release of players, risking a backlash from the Rugby Football League, who stand to make about £280,000 from the trip. But any medical reasons the NRL may use to defend their shortsighted stance have been debunked by a leading medic.
Dr Greg Macleod highlighted that they play rugby union in Johannesburg, which has a higher altitude than Denver, and no one has ever displayed ill-effects from playing 1,600 metres above sea level.
The medic, who will work with the Kiwis and has helped rugby union sides cope BURGESS: Bad attitude Down Under with travel and conditions in Super Rugby, said: “It’s not what I’d consider significantly high altitude and it’s not the level where you would expect altitude sickness. Johannesburg is over 2,000 metres and we have Test matches and Super Rugby games there, including travel, all the time. “I’ve spoken to medical staff in Denver – including paramedics who run the medical support at the stadium and work with the Broncos – and one gent, who has been there for 27 years as a paramedic, said he’d never seen a case of altitude-related illness from people playing at Mile High Stadium. “This is NFL, where guys are 350lb and playing in full gear. I know it’s a different sport, but it doesn’t seem to happen for those guys. I can’t see how 1,600 metres is a concern because it’s not proven. I’ve never seen anyone have health consequences playing at this altitude.” England staff have visited Denver and given the plan, put together by sports promoter Jason Moore, the OK. New Zealand Rugby League chiefs will present NRL clubs their concerns. NZRL chairman Reon Edwards said: “We’ve got a bit of work to do but we want to make sure we’re dealing with the facts, not speculation, around player welfare.”